Forest Edge

Tranquillity comes to you at Forest Edge: breathe deep and find stillness close to home. Rest and reset among almost 13 acres of open space, whether that’s beside a shimmering watercourse that meanders through the site or in the shade of a willow tree.

Easing the development into the landscape are more than 3,000 new shrubs and trees, chosen to specifically reflect Derbyshire’s character, while attenuation ponds, hibernacula and wildlife habitats encourage even the smallest residents.

But this isn’t a ‘look don’t touch’ setting. A play area with accessible equipment encourages interaction, while it’s possible to pick fruit from the orchard’s native trees.

Pack a picnic and charge your phone as adventure awaits. If you love the ease of travelling by train, watching the world go by en route, Chesterfield station is an excellent starting point. Buy a return to Derby (21 minutes), Leicester (45 minutes) or London St. Pancras International (1h 49 minutes) for an excellent day out.

Prefer to be in control? The A6 is perhaps the most scenic road of all, winding its way through the Peak District National Park. Or nip across to the M1 for Sheffield and Leeds in the North, and Nottingham and London in the South.

Forest Edge offers a sense of semi-rural seclusion that’s good for the soul but that doesn’t mean you’re cut off from the world. The community gathers at The Woodside: beer garden in the summer, open fires in the winter and pub games for friendly competition. Forgot any essentials? There’s a Co-op further up the road.

Make the three minute drive to Chatsworth Road for a wider selection of facilities, including a pharmacy, medical centre, Morrisons, cafés, restaurants and more pubs. Or drive to Chesterfield in less than 10 minutes for your favourite brands and independent stores.

Forest Edge lies in the gateway to the Peak District and the journey to the border is nothing short of spectacular. Start at Holmebrook Valley Park, for 130 acres of sports fields, open water, woodlands and meadows. A little further west is Linacre Reservoirs: sit tight and wait for a kingfisher or listen to a woodpecker’s trademark tap.

Finally, arrive at the National Park itself. Effort is rewarded if you climb the famous ‘edges’, Curbar, Birchen and Baslow included. Prepare to max out your phone’s camera roll capturing the magical scenes that unfold around you. Lying low, but no less stunning, is National Trust Padley Gorge for shady respite and a babbling stream.